Leon Botstein Steps Down as Bard College President, Continues Teaching and Music Roles
Leon Botstein has stepped down as president of Bard College, yet he continues to teach at the liberal arts school situated 100 miles north of New York City. Currently, he is on sabbatical to work on a book about Mahler. Botstein still serves as the artistic co-director of the Bard Music Festival and oversees The Orchestra Now. Although often characterized as controversial and divisive, he has retained these roles. This information was published by The New York Times on October 7, 2026.
Key facts
- Leon Botstein is no longer president of Bard College.
- He has continued to teach at Bard, a liberal arts college 100 miles north of New York City.
- He is on sabbatical to complete a book on Mahler.
- He remains the artistic co-director of the Bard Music Festival.
- He runs The Orchestra Now.
- Botstein is described as embattled and polarizing.
- The news was reported by The New York Times on October 7, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Leon Botstein
- Mahler
Institutions
- Bard College
- Bard Music Festival
- The Orchestra Now
- The New York Times
Locations
- New York City
- United States